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“And the whole of Trevose Head is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It's a sought-after spot and properties there don't come up very often.”

The applicants, Duncan Aldred and his wife, say the house is “in a poor state of repair” and lacks services appropriate to a 21st century house, including any form of central heating.

They are proposing to demolish the house and replace it with a new property, which they say “reflects the feel of the existing [property] but is built to current day standards and to comply with energy efficiency ratings”.

The location of the property on Trevose Head

One objector to the plans, Dave Lyon, claims the footprint of the new property is 50% larger than the current one.

My Lyon said: "If you take into account the extensive terraces surrounding the house then the built upon ground area nearly doubles. This is a massive increase over the existing cottage.

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“It will certainly be more visible from the coastal footpaths in both directions and as the paths are mainly at higher elevation it will not only be the house on display but the terraces and surrounding walls.

“This house is clearly designed for the soft leafy suburbs of Surrey. It has no place along the rugged coast of Cornwall.”

Mother Ivey House is in the sought-after area of Trevose Head

Mother Ivey House is a typical Cornish property, built of rendered stone rubble with natural slate roofs, and some objectors say that, if built, the new design would not be in keeping with the Cornish vernacular.

Another objector, Mrs Tummon, added that the property is “a local landmark and part of the unspoiled coast, not only to be viewed, but often recorded cinematographically”.

Jim Wood, of the Cornwall Area of Natural Beauty Unit, also objects to the proposal.

The existing property (top) and the new design (bottom)

“The proposal will result in the clifftop development in this location extending across almost the full width of this small clifftop promontory,” he said.

“In addition, the proposed dwelling is larger both in footprint and linear extent.

“The Cornwall AONB Management Plan identifies local policies which encourage the enhancement of the coast around Mother Ivey’s Bay towards having a more undeveloped character. This proposal clearly conflicts with this requirement.”

But there is support as well.

Sian Waring said: "The proposed development will be eco-friendly, and built using local materials. It is in keeping with Cornish properties in the area, in particular to the neighbouring property for which planning permission has already been granted."

Paul Richards said: "The design of the property enhances the surroundings compared to the existing property."

Diana Unwin said: "he plans should be approved; the proposed dwelling will be an improvement on the existing cottage."

So far 17 people have officially objected to the developer’s plans on Cornwall Council's planning website, while 31 people are in support of them.

A decision on the application is due to be made by Cornwall Council’s planning committee by the end of the year.